Challengers sweep Crusaders in SCH opener

Saturday

Apr 13, 2013 at 12:05 AMApr 13, 2013 at 12:08 AM

The defending state champion Cascade Christian baseball team set the framework for another successful run at the Southern Cascade Hybrid title with a sweep of a solid St. Mary's squad in their league opener Friday.

The defending state champion Cascade Christian baseball team set the framework for another successful run at the Southern Cascade Hybrid title with a sweep of a solid St. Mary's squad in their league opener Friday.

Daniel Scottow pitched a two-hitter in the first game and Kyle Ferguson followed with a three-hitter for the Challengers, who derailed the Crusaders 11-1 and 12-2 in their twinbill at U.S. Cellular Community Park. Both contests lasted just six innings by virtue of the 10-run mercy rule.

"We have depth in pitching," said Challengers coach John Bruce. "Most teams don't have our size. We're kind of blessed because we have guys that can throw strikes and that goes a long way."

Scottow allowed an unearned run in the sixth inning, walked one and struck out four. He was backed by Luke Dusenbury's bases-clearing triple in the third inning, which made the score 5-0.

PHOENIX 1, GLIDE 0 — At Talent, senior Meranda Zanni tossed a six-hitter with 10 strikeouts and scored the lone run in the nonconference game at Hagler-James Park.

Zanni, who went 2-for-2 with a walk, began the winning rally with a two-out single in the fifth. Amanda Skaff followed with a single and Makayla Scoggins singled through the right side of the infield, scoring Zanni from second on a close play at home.

The Pirates improved to 10-2 on the season.

Glide 000 000 0 — 0 6 1

Phoenix 000 010 x — 1 8 1

Graham and Hatley; Zanni and Hamilton. W — Zanni (7-1). L — Graham.

EAGLE POINT INVITATIONAL — At Eagle Point, Glenn Linder fired a 7-over-par 79 to take medalist honors and lead the Eagles to the team title in the three-school Eagle Point Invitational at Eagle Point Golf Course.

Zach Henley secured second (83) and Taylor Scott third (85) for the Eagles, who won with a score of 336. Grants Pass (363) was second and North Valley (388) third.